I stared at the screen, reading the message over and over again, unable to really believe the words. I had been invited to interview for a position with UPS. The background check would be ordered if I was selected as a candidate for hire.

Could I pass it?

The judge had said that my record would be wiped clean as soon as I finished paying restitution because I had no criminal history prior to that night.

“Sophia, I got an interview.” I tried not to sound too excited, but for the first time in a long time, I thought I had a shot at landing this job.

“Really, where?” She set down her book and turned toward me.

“With UPS. Do you think I have any chance of being hired?” I asked her. “I don’t want to get my hopes up. They haven’t done a background check yet.”

“Their requirements may be different, so it’s worth a shot. Worst that’ll happen is they tell you no,” she said to me. She was right, and I knew it. I had nothing to lose.

“You’re right. It’s on Saturday. Can you drop me off?” I asked her.

“Yes, baby. I’ll bring you to the interview. I’m so excited,” she said with a smile, bouncing up and down on the bed. “Maybe things are finally starting to turn around.”

“It’s a nice thought. I’ll ask at the interview what their requirements are,” I said, trying to think how to broach the topic of my arrest at the interview.

* * *

Sophia dropped me off at the door, but I felt like a slob. Some people wore suits, but others were more casual than me. I didn’t own a suit and didn’t have the money to buy one for interviews. I pieced together some clothes I salvaged from New Orleans, gray pants and a golf shirt. The line stretched out the door, and I took my place at the end.

Me: Fuck, there are a lot of people here.

Sophia: Don’t worry baby. They’re hiring for all locations in the Bay area. There’s plenty of work to go around. They’re going to love you.

A man stepped outside, cupping his hands around his mouth. “The interview process today will take between two to three hours. If you can’t stay for that length of time, you can leave now.” Some men stepped out of line and walked to their cars. I felt sick waiting in line. My nerves were on edge. I didn’t want to talk about my arrest, but I needed to know my chances of landing this job.

Me: A guy just announced I’ll be here around 3 hours. I’m sorry, beautiful.

Sophia: That’s fine. I’ll go shopping. Stay there and knock their socks off, sexy.

I made my way through the various stations and paperwork checks. I sat in the small room, shaking my foot uncontrollably, and waited to be called by the head of Human Resources. I kept debating possible ways to ask about the background check without sounding like a lifelong criminal.

“Mr. Michaels?” a woman called from the doorway. I blinked, taking a moment to realize she was calling my name, stood, and followed behind her. The interview started relatively well. She read over my application and questioned me about my work experience. While I spoke, she flipped through my paperwork, stopped at a spot, and began to tap her pen.

“I see here, Mr. Michaels, that you’ve been arrested. Tell me about it,” she said.

My palms began to sweat as I rubbed them together, thinking before I answered. “I was arrested and charged with criminal mischief.”

“Is it a misdemeanor or a felony?” she asked. She chewed on her pen as she waited for my answer.

“Misdemeanor, ma’am,” I answered as my heart pounded violently in my chest.

“Were you found guilty?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.

“No, adjudication was withheld,” I responded.

“It shouldn’t be an issue, then. Misdemeanors are often overlooked, but felonies are the kiss of death.” She quickly read over the rest of my application. “Look for an email in the next twenty-four hours. The candidates we’ve chosen to move forward will receive an email with instructions.” She stood up and extended her hand to me.

“Thank you, ma’am. I look forward to that email,” I said with a wink. I could usually charm the panties off any woman, but today, my goal was a job. She blushed, and I shook her hand lightly and smiled. I felt confident I would get that email. I always interviewed well with women.

I left the interview feeling upbeat and found Sophia waiting for me in the parking lot. She smiled as I entered the car. “How did it go, sweetheart?” she asked as she leaned over for a kiss.

“Really well. I actually think I got the job, as long as I can pass the background check,” I said, rifling through the papers they handed me during the interview. “I’ll get an email tomorrow if I’m selected to move forward in the hiring process.”

I became obsessed with my email. I wanted this job. I needed it. Every time my phone dinged, I jumped to check it. Just when I was about to give up hope, it arrived.

“I got it, Sophia,” I said, still slightly in shock. “I have to fill out the background check agreement and take a drug test.”

“Congratulations, baby. You’ll get it. I just know it.” She wrapped her arms around me and placed a kiss on my cheek.

“I have ten days to submit the background check and get the drug test.” I read off the email confirmation. The possibility of being denied still weighed heavily on my mind.